Forde is held by the Liberal National Party's Bert van Manen by less than 2 per cent.

The ABC understands Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has diverted his campaign from Sydney to Brisbane, and is likely to join his new recruit on the campaign trail today

Mr Beattie's return will intensify the focus on Queensland, where Labor is hoping to win seats to counter expected Coalition wins, including the seats held by former independents Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott.

Trade Minister Richard Marles says the new recruit could be a game changer for Labor, not only in Queensland but across the country.

"Peter Beattie is one of the most formidable politicians that Labor has in this country," he told Sky News.

"I think people still respect Peter. He did a very good job as premier of Queensland and I'm certain that when people decide who they're going to vote for, they'll look at the job that he did and that will help him," he said.